The Seattle Seahawks are in the market for a new safety after the loss of rookie Bud Clark. During Seattle's 19-16 preseason loss to the Tennessee Titans, Clark suffered a season-ending ankle injury on the Seahawks' first defensive snap of the game. Unfortunately, Clark's rookie campaign is over before it could even begin, as he was placed on injured reserve Tuesday afternoon. Although Seattle did sign Tysheem Johnson as a corresponding roster move, it's clear they are going to have to find a viable alternative at the position.
With this in mind, I would like to point out the work of Jeremy Brener over at Sports Illustrated who identified three potential safety options the Seahawks could look at. I must say, I don't disagree with any of the players
he suggested:
- No. 1 - Quandre Diggs
- No. 2 - Donovan Wilson
- No. 3 - Harrison Smith
Out of all of these, the most likely does seem to be Quandre Diggs. Although his contract with Seattle expired following the Super Bowl, he is the most connected to the organization having been on their practice squad to conclude the 2025 season. He was even elevated to the active roster during the Seahawks' 26-0 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Diggs was even granted a Super Bowl ring for being a member of the practice squad. Diggs knows this system and culture, and provides another veteran presence. He is a fan favorite Seahawk, having been one of their best players from 2019-2023.
The next best option, after Diggs, would be Donovan Wilson. Seattle hosted Wilson in for a workout in late July, but a signing did not materialize. Wilson was with Dallas for three overlapping years with current Seahawks defense coordinator Aden Durde, who was the Cowboys' defensive line coach. SI's Brener makes an excellent point that Wilson would likely feel right at home being reunited with former teammates like DeMarcus Lawrence, Dante Fowler, and the recently signed Trevon Diggs.
Lastly, perhaps the most intriguing option Brener suggests is longtime Minnesota Vikings legend Harrison Smith. The 37-year-old Smith hasn't announced his retirement following his release from Minnesota this past March, which suggests she could be looking for the right team to sign with as noted by Brener. What better option than the reigning Super Bowl champs who have a great shot at repeating? Smith may be 37, but he still played in 15 games last year and snagged two interceptions. A supporting, rotational role in Mike Macdonald's defense might be perfect for a savvy veteran like Smith.
Personally, Harrison Smith is the one I'd like to see Seattle go after. With all due respect to Quandre Diggs and what he's done for the Seahawks over the years, Smith brings a level of durability that Diggs might not have at this stage in his career. Smith has played in at least 13 games in 13 of the 14 seasons in his career, and has played in at least 15 in each of the last three campaigns.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Analyzing the 3 safeties identified as potential Bud Clark replacements
